Catapult

A Team of Up to 3
1. DESCRIPTION: Prior to the tournament, teams construct and calibrate their own free
standing (not hand held) catapult device that must be capable of "lobbing" a tennis ball at a
target placed in 7 meters.
2. THE COMPETITION:
A. Teams must design, build and bring their own free standing (not hand held) catapults to
the tournament.
B. Teams without proper eye protection must be immediately informed and given a chance
to obtain eye protection if time allows, otherwise they will not be allowed to compete and
scored as a no-show.
C. Launch force must be provided by gravity or elastic solids (such as springs, rubber bands,
etc.). The last point on the device touched by the tennis ball may not be more than 50 cm
above the ground before, during or after starting.
D. Each device should be designed and built by the students (adult construction assistance is
OK).
E. Each device should be designed to operate safely at all times. No points will be awarded
for design.
F. The device will sit on a level area of ground and fire at the target area that will also be at
ground level. The target area will be a sand pit of at least 1 meter in diameter. A small
object level with the sand will mark the center.
G. The distance from the "foul line" to the center of the target will be announced at the start
of the competition. Students may place their catapult at any point behind the foul line up
to 2 meters.
H. The event could take place outside!
3. SCORING:
A. Each team will have a one-shot practice round after which they will each shoot at the
target twice.
B. The distance from the target will be measured after each shot, including the practice shot
and announced to the team to allow them to make adjustments.

CATAPULT

C. The cumulative distance after two shots will be the team's score. The smallest score wins,
a score of zero is the best.
D. The distance from the center of the target will be measured to the tennis ball's initial point
of impact as determined by the judge. Tennis balls landing outside of the sand pit area
will also be measured according to the initial point of impact as determined by the judge.
E. Tennis balls hitting the target on initial impact will receive a score of zero.
F. No tennis balls should be shot before or during the catapult event except during the
specified practice round or actual competition.
G. Each team must bring their catapult to the competition site and leave it there for
safekeeping until their turn. This rule is meant to provide safety and fairness so teams will
not be practicing during the day of the competition.

CATAPULT